Give A Smile Day

One year ago today, my amazing father went to be with Jesus. He had the largest, most brilliant smile on the planet! My dad always found a way to bring other people joy and happiness.



My Daddy!

Not having my dad here this last year has been difficult getting adjusted to. There's so much I want to share with him and questions that I want to ask him. All sorts of things small and large remind me of him. Yet, I know he's in heaven having a blast, so that makes things a bit easier.

I don't want to spend today depressed or wallowing in sadness. I may shed a tear or two, but I don't want to give in to sorrow. My dad wouldn't like that.

So, I am christening today "Give A Smile Day". I am going to go out of my way to do something special for someone that will make them smile as big as my dad did. It may be one person or two, someone close to me or a complete stranger. I just am aiming to bring a big bright beautiful smile to someone's face. I just want to give person a feeling of joy.
It would be so lovely if you join me! Purpose in your heart to make someone smile. It doesn't have to be a big thing or overly complicated. It could be as simple as paying for the person behind you in the drive thru lane, baking your friend their favorite treat, buying the homeless person on the corner lunch, or spending some quality one-on-one time with a loved one...

The possibilities are endless!

Let me know about all the smiles you create in the comments section! I'll fill you in on mine as well.

Verse of the Day: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22

Throwback Thursday: You Can Stay Full of Joy!

So, yesterday I declared I was going to have a happy day. Of course, that didn't work. Happiness is fleeting, and by the afternoon my happiness had flown. Today, I'm going to be a bit wiser and declare that this will be a joyful day! Read the post below to figure out the difference.

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I don't know what it is, but I've been feeling a bit blah lately. Maybe it's the gray clouds in the sky. Maybe it's work. Maybe it's the fact that I really don't understand this new class I've started this semester. It could be a host of other things that aren't that great that are going on in my life.


Yesterday, I had enough of feeling blue. I reminded myself of the fact that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I shook myself and chose to change my mood.

It's easy to allow the occurrences of what's going on around us to affect what's going on inside us. I'm amazed sometimes at how quickly my own mood can change. There I was singing a happy song, feeling great, and something (usually it's a someone) just breezes through and ruins my sun shiny moment.

Sometimes we have to choose to rise above the negativity that would love to pull us down. We must remind ourselves that since we have the Lord, we have His joy. One of the definitions of joy is a source of happiness.* God is a constant source of happiness!

No matter what's going on, no matter what we face, we always have a source of happiness on the inside. It's just up to us to go to God and grab hold of His joy.

Just thinking on His attributes and meditating on His goodness is bound to bring a smile to your lips and a twinkle to your eye. Remembering His bountiful blessings and His renewed mercies is always a way to shift our perspectives and focus.

So, don't allow yourself to wallow in despondency. Don't give in to the frown that's trying to invade your face. As you stand in the midst of adversity, fight to maintain your source of strength. Remember that you have the joy of the Lord.

Verse of the Day: ...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

*Dictionary.com

He's Right Beside You

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me... You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:8, 11

Many of us know that the Lord is with us. However, how many of us take advantage of the fact that the Lord is always right beside us?

David was unafraid of whatever challenge he faced because he knew that God was with him. He listened to the Lord's advice in how to live his life. And because David acknowledged God's presence, he lived a life of joy and pleasure.

Are you lacking direction? Do you not know what to do or where to go? Is your life without joy? Have you no pleasure in your way of living?

Perhaps you are missing out on the advantage of the Lord walking by your side.

The Bible says that the Lord will never leave us. He is always right there, ready, willing and able to help us in whatever we have need of. Even if it's something as simple as needing to smile, the Lord wants to help.

Today, take advantage of the Lord's presence. Allow Him to lead you, guide you, and fill your life with joy and purpose.

Verse of the Day: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9

Throwback Thursday: Pull Up Some Joy!

Since I've been talking about joy this week, I decided to post an entry I did on joy a while back. EnJOY!

With all of the chaos that’s going on in the world today, it may be a bit hard to find some joy. It’s so easy to focus on everything that seems to be going wrong: the job you can’t find, the money you don’t have, the inspiration that you’ve lost… How can one find joy in the midst of so much despair?


I love the scripture that where it talks about David encouraging himself in the Lord. (I Samuel 30:6) Often encouragement comes down to us deliberately choosing to look past the problem and see the God that is always there. No matter what we go through, God is always orchestrating things for our good. We just get so caught up in the process that we tend to disregard the positives sometimes.

Don’t let this happen to you. Whenever you feel despair knocking at your door, block it out by remembering the goodness of the Lord. Remember how He helped you overcome obstacles in times past. Remember where He sent unexpected blessings in your time of need. Think of how He sent His mercy when you knew you deserved punishment. Take heart in how he rescued you from destruction.

God is so good! And He is the same God today that He was when He walked you through all of those other valleys of darkness. Don’t lose hope! Reach deep inside and pull up some joy! The joy of the Lord will give you the strength to make it through! (Nehemiah 8:10)

Verse of the Day: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9

Power of Joy

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10b

Too many of us are walking around with "dry bones". We have no joy. We are full of sorrows. We are weak in our hearts. And our spirits are broken down.

Yet the word of God tells us that it in joy that we become strong in our spirits. So, how do we get joy?

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you,

that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

John 15:9-11

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

1 John 1:3, 4

When you abide in the love of God by keeping His commands, His joy stays with you. Meditating on the promises of God can only bring more joy! Seeing all that God has for you, knowing how much He loves and cares about you, will only increase the amount of joy in your life.

Joy also shows up when you fellowship with other saints who are also strong in the Lord. Hearing their testimonies of the goodness of the Lord, learning from their walk with the Father, and having them pray for and encourage you will keep your joy levels on FULL!

So, today, determine to strengthen yourself in the joy of the Lord. Let the joy of the Lord minister health and well-being to your spirit and mind. You don't have to be weary, run down or sorrowful, in any situation, your joy can be FULL!

Joyful Every Day

This morning I woke up with a song of praise ringing in my spirit. It was pretty cool. I actually laid in my bed and let the song repeat a couple of times, so I could continue in praise.

Later on this morning, I had to follow up on something information I received this weekend, and the news I received wasn't so great. It totally knocked the wind out of my sails. My mood changed, and I started feeling a bit low.

BUT!! - I remembered how beautifully my day began, and I resolved to keep it on that level. I was not going to let anything ruin my day. I resolved to get back to joy.

So, I had to remind myself of who I am in Christ. I had to remind myself that the Lord is the One who fights my battles. I prayed a prayer of faith and left my problem with the Lord.

This morning I'm reminded of Paul who taught himself to be content in all situations. He faced the ridicule of people... the pressure of starting and stabilizing new churches in immensely hostile environments... prison cells... physical beatings... loneliness... But Paul learned that no matter where he was, God was with him.

Paul didn't let his circumstances dictate his mood. Can you imagine what might have happened if Paul focused on what he was going through? We might not have half of the New Testament that we do! Because Paul was able to focus on the Lord and not on his situation, he was able to overcome adversity and leave a legacy that has greatly impacted the Body of Christ.

The Christ within is our strength. The joy that is found in the Lord gives us strength when we are weak. Today, don't allow what is going on around you to make you miss out on the ever-present joy of the Lord. Stay strong! Stay joyful! Remember who you are in Christ!

Verse of the Day: ...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:11b-13

Only God Can Satisfy

"When I get this new job, I'll finally be happy again..."

"Lord, send me my husband, so I can be content..."

"Starting this new business is going to make everything better..."

"Moving to a new city will help me have the fresh start I need..."

"Once we conceive and have a child, our marriage will get better..."

There is nothing wrong with a new job, getting married, or having a child. However, the motives behind why you want to do certain things can definitely steer you in the wrong direction. Are you placing your faith in the new job? Are you stacking your hopes on a move to a new place? Is your happiness linked to whether you get married or not?

We need to be very careful of where we are placing our faith. When we look to something to fulfill a void that only God can fill, we are placing our hopes on sinking sand. Only the sure foundation of the Lord can anchor us through the many storms of life. Only hope placed in Him will find us feeling safe and secure when everything around us is in chaos.

Nothing this world has to offer by itself will bring you peace and joy. Nothing. There are countless marriages that started off in bliss, but ended in bitter divorce. Many people have started jobs only to be let go months later. Countless people have traveled the world looking for answers to the ache in their hearts and found nothing.

Yet Jesus is our answer. When we accept His love and follow His plan, we find the joy that we had searched for all our lives. We find the peace that settles our souls. We find the comfort that only He can give.

Are you placing too much hope in the things this world has to offer? Make sure that you are placing your hopes in Jesus Christ. Trust me, when you have your heart fully in His hands, it doesn't matter if you're married, rich, and running the country, or single, broke, unemployed - you will be content.

Stop looking to other things to fill the void within you. Allow the Lord to fill the space in your heart with His love.

Verse of the Day: Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16

God's Benefits

Today is a day for thanksgiving. Blessed be the name of the Lord! God is so good, and I just want to share the joy in my heart with all of you today.

This morning a Psalm was ringing in my spirit. It says, bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... (Psalm 103:2) Have you really thought about the benefits that you receive from serving the Lord? Have you pondered on all of the things you are privy to as His beloved child?

I was thinking about them this morning.

Just being able to have joy in my heart and a smile on my lips is a benefit. There are so many people who have no joy. There are numerous folks who can't figure out a reason to smile or be happy. And not all of them are in trouble or facing problems. They simply don't have joy.

Or, how about the fact that we get the benefit of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit? When we have questions, are troubled, or need direction, He is there to help guide and direct us. He is there to help us understand the ways of God helping us to grow in our faith. All we have to do is make ourselves available to Him and the Holy Spirit is right there to gird us up.

We also get the benefit of prayer. We get to approach God's throne and talk about anything we want to. Large or small, pressing or seemingly 'unimportant', God is interested in it all. He hears us every time we speak to Him. Isn't that amazing?

What are some of the benefits that you enjoy about being a child of God? What things that He has given us do you hold most dear? Take some time today to give thanks to the Lord for His many blessings and benefits that He has granted to us His children.

Verse of the Day: Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... Psalm 103:1, 2

Take A Moment For Joy

Today, I want to encourage you to do something to make yourself smile. Take a moment and give yourself some pleasure on purpose!

Last night I purposefully took some time to read a book. It wasn't for ministry, it wasn't for school, and it wasn't for self-help. I just started reading a novel because it is something that I love to do, and I haven't made time just to get lost in a book in a while. It was only about 30 minutes, but I enjoyed those 30 minutes!

Sometimes the cares of life can overtake us to where we are paying attention to things that need to get done, but we are missing out on the things we want to do. In everything there should be a balance.

Jesus made time to attend dinners and parties. He took time out to play with little children. He took time to Himself. He enjoyed His friends.

And He was still able to complete all that He was called to do.

Don't let your hard work kill your times of joy. Take some time to laugh, do something you love, and give yourself some pleasure.

It could be as simple as stopping to listen to the birds singing. It could be as big as taking a day off work just to be able to allow your brain to rest. You might want to visit that new restaurant that you've been passing by every day. Or maybe you want to go out for a few rounds of bowling. It might be something as simple as spending an afternoon with your child.

Whatever it is, take some time to enjoy your life! Don't let the days keep passing without you experiencing some joy. God wants you to enjoy your life. So, make some time to do so.

Verse of the Day: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

A God Kind of View

The Apostle Paul went through a lot in his life after he dedicated his life to Jesus. He was ridiculed, jailed, whipped, put under house arrest, questioned by other Christians, undermined in his ministry, as well as a host of other things. Yet Paul was able to go through all that he went through because he kept his mind on Christ.

Paul knew that in the larger picture, it was more important for him to spread the gospel than to be swayed by the circumstances around him. Paul recognized that he could not give up or give in. He saw that the temporary pains and disappointments could not compare to the joy and reward that he gained in following Jesus.

I often look at my father who is going through a great battle right now. Despite being unable to walk or use his hands, my father still does so much! He is still preaching and teaching the Word of the Lord on Sunday mornings. He still takes care of what business he has with our family and church. My father has not lost his joyful spirit or the great love in his heart.

My dad is able to keep his sweetness because he sees things in terms of eternity. He recognizes that God's plans for him will ultimately prevail. He knows that God's Word is sure. And because of that rock solid faith, my father can face each day with a smile.

So this week let's challenge ourselves to look at things in the scope of eternity. Instead of focusing on what's going on in the natural, let's acknowledge the spiritual. Instead of accepting the devil's negativity, let's adhere to what God says about us.

Yes, we all have trials and circumstances that we have to face. But we can face them head-on knowing that in the end we overcome! We don't have to be sad, depressed, or downtrodden. God's Word tells us that we win in the end! Have faith, and believe God's Word.

This week, let's strive to be kingdom minded. Nothing should be able to steal our joy or keep us from enjoying our lives.

Verse of the Day: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed... For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 17, 18

Afternoon Ti: JoyFULL!

Our boys' basketball team is going to STATE! So excited over here. And it's been a flurry of activity, so I apologize for posting late today. But, life is good!

Since I'm feeling good today, let's keep on talking about joy.

Jesus told us that He came so that our joy may be full. Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes. Happiness can fade at the drop of a dime. Happiness is contingent on outside factors.

But joy transcends happiness. Joy is something that emanates from within. Joy is a state of the mind and heart. Joy is not influenced by outside factors.

Joy is the reason why Paul and Silas were able to sing at midnight in the jail cell. Joy caused the apostles to keep on preaching the gospel in the face of adversity. Joy gave David the strength to dance for hours with the return of the ark of the covenant. Joy caused the Samaritan woman to go and tell her whole village about the goodness of Christ.

Have you tapped into your joy in the Lord lately? Have you allowed the greatness of God to transform your heart to the place where nothing shakes you? Do you have joy no matter what circumstance you're facing?

If you're not experiencing joy, take some time to go before God and ask Him to rekindle your joy. Remind yourself of His greatness, love and magnificence. Think of how much He's done for you, and remember your great prize in obtaining salvation. You have a reason to be full of joy! Don't miss out on it!

Verse of the Day: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

Choosing Joy

This morning the devil tried.

He tried to steal my joy. I had to force myself to roll out of bed this morning. I was dragging myself around trying to get my responsibilities accomplished.

Then, someone went flat out lied to my face. And you all already know that I can't stand a liar. I had to stand there and count to ten just to keep my mouth closed. I was fuming walking back to my office when one of my co-workers stopped me as I was walking past. She said I looked sad and needed a hug. When she hugged me I started laughing, and I felt myself calming down.

Instead of going into my office to stew and fume, I went in and had a talk with God instead. I sat at my desk and remembered that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I said a prayer and let the Father minister His love, joy and strength to me.

I feel better.

I'm grateful for that small act of love that my co-worker gave me. I'm thankful for the reminder that even the smallest gesture can make a huge impact on someone. I'm glad that there is always a bigger picture, a greater plan, and something more important. The little things come and go. The Kingdom is forever.

So, now I'm going to pay it forward and perform an act of love for someone else. I'm not going to get worked up over little things and let them ruin my joy in Christ. I choose joy! I choose to stay joyful.

Verse of the Day: ...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

My God is Great!

One thing I've learned is that people love to brag about other people they are proud of. From proud parents to friends (even associates) of someone who has done something notable, everyone loves to talk about their connection to someone they think is great.

Usually when someone boasts on others, it causes the other person to acknowledge the greatness in the person receiving praise and sparks an interest in that human being.

David said that he boasted on God. He bragged on the greatness of the One who was ordering his footsteps. And as a result of that, David was able to bring joy into the lives of those around him.

Have you boasted on God lately?

Boasting on God is not just talking about what He's done for you. Boasting on God is talking about how great He is, how powerful He is, how loving He is... Hearing about the One who can do anything can make just about anyone sit up and take notice.

So, today, let's make sure we take some time to brag on our God to someone else. Let's lift up our God just because He's God. As we open up our mouths and praise our Father, we will be bringing some joy into the lives of those around us.

Verse of the Day: My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Psalm 34:2

Pick Me Up

I'm going to smile today!

How are you this morning? A bit earlier this morning I was feeling a bit down with no real reason to feel that way. As I sat here prepping to write and asking God what to say, I remembered that I could choose joy instead of remain in my funk.

I grabbed hold of the word of God, played a song of praise, and chose to pull up some joy. I found a reason to rejoice. I recalled how blessed I am. I meditated on the goodness of the Lord.

And now I'm feeling much better.

We don't have to take the negative emotions and feelings that may spring up on us throughout our day. Anything that doesn't line up with what God has for us, we have a right to dismiss. We don't have to stay depressed, angry, full of unforgiveness, or melancholy. Those things are only invites from the devil to waste a minute, hour, or even a day.

When the devil succeeds in getting us to take his negativity, we close ourselves off from hearing from God. We take our focus off of others and meditate on ourselves. We miss opportunities to show and share God's love because we're so distracted by our own misery.

Even if it's just for a few moments, who knows what moment of purpose we may miss! We can't let the enemy have any place.

So, if you're feeling down: Shake yourself! Wake yourself! Remember who you are! Remember Who holds you in the palm of His hand. Think on the One who filled you with the breath of life and is ordering your footsteps.

Look behind you and remember how far the Lord has brought you. Look around at the blessed life that surrounds you. Look ahead to the bright future that is in store for you.

You have no reason to feel anything negative. You are blessed! Now, go enjoy your day! I most definitely am going to enjoy mine.

Verse of the Day: Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! Psalm 32:10, 11 (NLT)


Just because:

Pulling On Joy, Again

This morning, it took everything in me to get out of bed. I am so exhausted! (It's not from partying, either.) Yet, I still had responsibilities, and I pressed in to work. Right now I'm willing myself to make it through today. Pray my strength...

But one thing I'm aiming to do is to not complain. I'm trying to become a person that is always a light of joy, so that others can be blessed by the joy of the Lord they see in me. So, I'm casting this burden on the Lord, and letting Him care for me.

I wrote a post a while ago that's appropriate for today. And, to be honest, my brain is so tired, it's taking some effort to string these few sentences together. I hope you enjoy and have a blessed day!

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With all of the chaos that’s going on in the world today, it may be a bit hard to find some joy. It’s so easy to focus on everything that seems to be going wrong: the job you can’t find, the money you don’t have, the inspiration that you’ve lost… How can one find joy in the midst of so much despair?


I love the scripture that where it talks about David encouraging himself in the Lord. (I Samuel 30:6) Often encouragement comes down to us deliberately choosing to look past the problem and see the God that is always there. No matter what we go through, God is always orchestrating things for our good. We just get so caught up in the process that we tend to disregard the positives sometimes.

Don’t let this happen to you. Whenever you feel despair knocking at your door, block it out by remembering the goodness of the Lord. Remember how He helped you overcome obstacles in times past. Remember where He sent unexpected blessings in your time of need. Think of how He sent His mercy when you knew you deserved punishment. Take heart in how he rescued you from destruction.

God is so good! And He is the same God today that He was when He walked you through all of those other valleys of darkness. Don’t lose hope! Reach deep inside and pull up some joy! The joy of the Lord will give you the strength to make it through! (Nehemiah 8:10)

Verse of the Day: Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Bubbly...

There's an older woman who works in my office that I can only describe as...bubbly. She's always willing to help others out and goes the extra mile. She keeps a smile on her face and walks around humming a happy tune all day. She's bubbly...and not in the annoying way.

I am not bubbly. Granted, I have been more prone to smile since I am actually enjoying what I do right now. But bubbly I am not.

But one thing I can't help but notice is that her bubbly attitude puts mine in check. Whenever I talk to her, I can't help but walk away feeling brighter. I'm kinder to her than normal, because you can't help but be kind to such a warm, happy person.

Now, that's food for thought. You do get back what you put out. The kind words we share, the smile we give, the extra help that we offer... people do notice and will give us back what we put out.

So, let's challenge ourselves to be a bit more cheerful today. Let's pull up the joy of the Lord and allow that to be our strength instead of succumbing to those negative moods that easily overtake us. Let's see how many lives we can brighten by being a bit more bubbly!

Verse of the Day: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Let's Celebrate!

Excuse me while I get
my praise dance on!

I'm in an odd mood (for me, at least). Usually, I'm pretty laid-back, mellow, and serene. That's not happening today. In fact, I believe I've felt this way before. Apparently, the bug is back!

Today, I feel like celebrating! I don't know what it is or why. Nothing's really changed. I still have the same things before God as yesterday. I haven't gotten a huge testimony or breakthrough overnight or anything. Still, I find myself joyful today.

Why not go with it?

And since you're reading this, you have to go with it too. Today you've got to put on your happy face. No sadness or depression for you today. No ho-hum or blase' attitude either. Time to perk up and find the cheer!

No use for just one of us to be feeling all extra-good for no apparent reason...

Now, let's justify this out-of-the-blue happy:

Today is a beautiful day! We are alive and breathing. The world is still spinning, and we have another opportunity to make an impact in it.

What else...?

We serve a Wonderful God! In fact, He's the One True God, the Maker of the Universe! And we have been given the privilege of being able to converse with Him one-on-one. Despite our sinful flesh, He sees us as righteous beings because we have accepted His Son, Jesus, as Lord.

He's even bequeathed to us a divine purpose, a reason for our existence on the earth. With that purpose, He has given us every tool we will need to finish the work He has called us to. Our every talent, skill, creative thought, and personality fit well within God's purpose for us.

Ah-mazing!

On top of that, He's blessed us with His everlasting love, the majesty of His peace, and the greatness of His grace. No matter what comes our way, we're safe in God's hands. -- Gotta love it!

So, let's celebrate today! Let's put on a smile, indulge in a laugh, and let God's joy take over. The only reason we need is that we serve a great God. No further explanation necessary.

Have a joyful, happy, beautiful, wonderful, amazing, gorgeous day!

Verse of the Day: Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Acts 2:28

God's Love is Amazing!

This morning a song of praise to the Lord has been ringing in my spirit. I am so in awe of the God we serve!
No matter what the situation, our God is there for us. No matter how many times we falter, He's still waiting with open arms. Despite the countless times we've cried out to Him for help, He's always there with a ready hand reaching out to lift us up.

Our God is amazing!

He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us so that we could be reconciled back to Him. (John 3:16) Jesus cared about us enough that He put aside His awesome stature in the heavens, and came down to earth as a humble man of no status. He took on blame that He didn't deserve, and suffered the criminal death of the cross for things that He never did.

All for you and me. Isn't our Lord the best! How could we not love Him back?

We don't deserve His unfailing love, yet He pours it out on us without measure. We don't deserve to be forgiven, but His mercy is new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22, 23) Our righteousness is like filthy rags in His eyes, yet through the blood of His Son we shine like clean white snow. (Isaiah 6:46, Psalm 51:7)

Lord, I am speechless to your beautiful love! Thank you for showering us with your love. We appreciate all of the love you give to us each day. Help us to live in a way that reflects how much Your love is working in our lives.

Have a blessed day everyone. Show someone some of that God-kind of love today!

Verse of the Day: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7

Thanksgiving Friday!

Hey Everyone!

We have made it through another work week. To God be all the glory!

I woke up smiling this morning. That's a feat in and of itself! I don't know why I was smiling... I didn't have a really cool dream or hear any fabulous news. I'm just going to thank God for the happy mood and keep it moving. Maybe my spirit knows something my mind doesn't.

I'm thankful that I only have one more week of this class to go! After this one, I'm taking off for the semester. I need to take a break to catch up on all the other items that I've placed on the back burner. Pray for me, everyone, I will have to work to get an 'A' in this one.

I'm especially thankful this week for forgiveness. God has been helping me to forgive some folks, and I am experiencing the freedom and joy that comes along with it. I have a penchant for keeping up a long memory, but God is helping my heart and my mind to just let some things go.

What are you thankful for this week? What has the Lord done for you? Feel free to share!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Verse of the Day: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:25, 26

Choose Joy, Get Strength

There's a reason why the Bible says the joy of the Lord gives strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Something happens when you are filled with a joy that comes from God. Despite situations, challenges, physical tedium, and other seemingly negative instances, God's joy has a way of making you smile, laugh, and feel light regardless of it all.

Currently my father is battling sickness in his body. In spite of being confined to a wheelchair and losing mobility in his extremities, my father has not sunk into a depression. He doesn't complain about his present hardship.

He has chosen to embrace the joy of the Lord. As a result, he has remained his happy, sunshine-smiling self. He always has something positive to say. He continues to preach every Sunday and Thursday. He always has an encouraging word. I believe that it is this choice to dwell in God's joy that has strengthened my father to defy the statistics that would have had him in the grave long ago.

We all can take a lesson from my father's choice. In the face of  whatever hardship, we can choose to embrace the joy of God. We can pass over despair and depression and cling to the joy of our Heavenly Father.

As we remember His almighty power, love for us, and divine plan, we have no need to despair. We can rest assured knowing that He will bring us to our expected end.

Verse of the Day: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalm 5:11